Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs

Unknown

ca. 1850–1640 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

The majority of design scarabs of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850 –1640 B.C.) are decorated with symmetric compositions of hieroglyphs and/or scrolls. These signs are not meant to form words but are chosen for their positive, protective meaning. This scarab shows the hieroglyph for gold (nub) and signs placed above it, in pairs to form a balanced composition.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1909